Amylin
A 37 amino acid peptide hormone co-secreted with insulin from pancreatic beta cells that slows gastric emptying, suppresses glucagon, and promotes satiety. Pramlintide is a synthetic amylin analogue approved for use alongside insulin in diabetes management to improve postprandial glucose control.
Technical Context
Amylin (islet amyloid polypeptide, IAPP, 37 aa) is co-secreted with insulin from pancreatic beta cells in a molar ratio of approximately 1:100. It acts on calcitonin/amylin receptors (complexes of the calcitonin receptor with receptor activity-modifying proteins, RAMPs) in the area postrema and other brain regions. Amylin's actions complement insulin: it slows gastric emptying, suppresses postprandial glucagon secretion, and promotes satiety. In type 2 diabetes, amylin secretion is reduced alongside insulin. Pramlintide (Symlin) is a synthetic amylin analogue with three proline substitutions (positions 25, 28, 29) that prevent the amyloid fibril formation (aggregation) that makes native human amylin unsuitable for pharmaceutical use. Pramlintide is injected before meals alongside insulin.